Half Moon Bay

Travel Guide

Half Moon Bay showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as children
Half Moon Bay showing a beach as well as an individual male
Half Moon Bay featuring a beach and general coastal views

Hike through a scenic park and enjoy fishing, bird-watching and other outdoor activities in this beautiful coastal city.

Half Moon Bay is a laid-back coastal town with beaches, cafés, galleries and bookstores. Shop for organic fruit and vegetables, fresh flowers and locally produced honey at a farmers’ market. Relax on spacious sandy beaches with picnic areas and kayak, fish, cycle or even whale watch.

Most visitors to Half Moon Bay spend the majority of their time at the beach. Moon Bay State Beach is one of the finest beaches in the region. Head to the visitor center on weekends to learn about the history of this wonderful beach. This 4-mile (6-kilometer) sandy stretch is great for fishing, picnicking and lounging.

Drive from Half Moon Bay to Mavericks Beach in less than 20 minutes. Due to rare underwater rock formations and Pacific Ocean storms, this beach often produces large waves. Watch surfers take on the giant offshore swells from the top of the bluffs.

Back in town, visit the Barterra Winery and taste some of their award-winning vintages. Embark on a salmon fishing charter many boat trips depart from Pillar Point Harbor.

The Half Moon Bay Coastalside Trail is a scenic hiking, running and cycling trail that runs through the protected Wavecrest Open Space. Admire picturesque views of the ocean and spot birds such as hawks and herons.

Half Moon Bay is located in San Mateo County, California, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from San Francisco and just 30 minutes’ drive from San Francisco International Airport. The town is less than 15 minutes’ drive from numerous attractions, including the small coastal hamlets of El Granada and Moss Beach.

With its long golden beaches, oceanfront walking trails and wide range of outdoor activities, Half Moon Bay is a popular weekend escape for San Franciscans.

Where to stay in Half Moon Bay

Interesting spot to enjoy your seafood dish with a good view of HalfMoon Bay . This is Seafood Paella ordered at Sam’s Chowder House  #troverfoodies

El Granada

El Granada is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, abundant dining options, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Pillar Point Harbor or Pillar Piont Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

El Granada
Awesome place to visit and try their handcrafted spirits. Fun tours and tastings!!!

Princeton

Princeton might not have many top sights, but Pillar Point Harbor and Mavericks Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Princeton
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is P7,268 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P7,268
P10,875 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,534 reviews)
"Stayed 6 days. Great hotel loved the location to walk to so many places. Very clean place. Great breakfast everyday included. Wish pool was inside cause it was to cold to use but other than that I would recommend and would stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is P7,422 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P7,422
P8,736 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,184 reviews)
"Had a wonderful stay! Room was clean and bed was comfortable! The staff was very welcoming and helpful! Only issue was the man at the restaurant was pretty rude. Besides that unpleasant interaction all other staff was wonderful!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
The price is P5,239 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P5,239
P5,957 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,848 reviews)
"Air conditioning was poor. Window could have blocked sunlight better"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,754 reviews)
"This hotel is a little dated but it is in an excellent location - only one block to the Alameda beach and shoreline. Plenty of dining options within walking distance. Located in a safe quiet area with awesome views of SF just steps away! Great value for the money."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Kasa The Addison San Francisco
Kasa The Addison San Francisco
4 out of 5
2263 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, memory foam beds, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Pier 39 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Great amenities and good location
"The location is great, but very expensive. We like having a kitchen and laundry facility. There is no fan provided, so be prepared in warmer months. The bathroom door is frosted glass and does not reach the ceiling."

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2025

Kasa The Addison San Francisco
Global Luxury Suites at Mountain View
Global Luxury Suites at Mountain View
4 out of 5
1720 El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Mountain View. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (181 reviews)
"Absolutely wonderful place to stay - except could never ever contact anyone by phone to help in any way. After a long delay they'd send an email and call (which I always missed due to flights so go voicemail) and if I replied to email immediately I'd still not get a response until too late. The Latch ..."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Global Luxury Suites at Mountain View
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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